Everything You Need to Know Before Watching “Game of Thrones” Season 5

Game of Thrones, HBO’s fantasy mega-hit, is coming back on Sunday. Huzzah! Also, uh-oh! Are you up to date with all the intrigue, murder and dragonfire in the world of Westeros? If not, have no fear. Watch this handy explainer, presented by none other than George R.R. Martin himself!*

We start with the basics: Westeros is in the west, Essos is in the east. Simple enough, right? Let’s move on to the many noble houses, the Iron Throne, the Seven Kingdoms, the Wall, the white walkers, the Ironborn, and on and on. It’s a lot to take in! But that’s what we’re here for. So sit back, and let the epic history of Game of Thrones wash over you like molten gold. Wait, bad reference.